The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), or Mawlid Al Nabawi, is a public holiday on Friday, August 28, 2026, that is observed to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
The UAE Government Media Office announced and it will be applicable to all government and private sector staff.
A Three-Day Weekend for Most Employees
It’s a convenient time for those who have the traditional Saturday-Sunday weekend. It provides a three day break from August 28th to August 30th (regular work starts August 31st).
The UAE ministry of human resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced the holiday date, following the UAE unified framework of public holidays.
Why the Date Kept Shifting
The Islamic calendar is on the sightings of the moon, not on set Gregorian dates, and so the exact date can different from year to year. The estimates August had been later, with some predicting as late as August 24 or 25 official confirmation.
In the Hijri month, each month has a new moon, which is officially declared by the UAE moon sighting committee on the 29th of Hijri month.
The official date has been set, residents and employers do not have to use the previous estimates from a calendar or unconfirmed guesses about the holiday posted in advance.
How the Holiday Fits Into UAE Law
The UAE public holiday policy, the Prophet birthday is considered a single holiday. Most public holidays in UAE (excluding Eid celebrations) can be start or end of the working week.
Friday placement will give the maximum possible break for most workers, with the weekend following, assuming a Saturday-Sunday work pattern.
